Air quality in Greater Darwin area prompts warning from health experts

Health experts are warning small particles in the air from the smoke could be dangerous for people with breathing conditions, with one man diagnosed with asthma for the first time in 40 years.

The NT Health Department is urging vulnerable Territorians to stay inside. Picture: Justin Kennedy

TERRITORY health experts are urging people in the Greater Darwin area with hay fever, asthma or other respiratory conditions to stay inside over the next few days with their windows and doors shut.

NT Health Department acting director of environmental health Tracy Ward said the air quality in the area was “poor” at the moment and likely to remain poor over the next few days.

Ms Ward said the PM2.5 — or amount of small particles in the air — could present a danger to people with breathing conditions if they were inhaled.

“When your lungs become irritated it can constrict your airways,” she said.

“If you are vulnerable you are asked to stay inside where possible.”

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Ms Ward said there had not been an increase in the number of people presenting to Royal Darwin Hospital with breathing concerns.

“That doesn’t mean people aren’t accessing their GP or other services,” she said.

“It’s a concern — but it’s a ‘be alert, but not alarmed’ issue.”

Ms Ward said vulnerable Territorians should follow their asthma action plan or seek medication.

She said the smoke and dust did not present a threat to Territorians without a breathing issue but added anyone who had begun to develop respiratory issues should see their doctor.

Darwin River resident Zoe Fisher said the smoke and dust in her area was “terrible”.

“It is just disgusting — everything smells,” she said.

“I’ve developed a cough over the last few days and my partner sleeps with a mask.”

Ms Fisher said her partner was diagnosed with asthma for the first time in 40 years despite no prior medical history of respiratory illnesses.

“He’s got this wheeze and is unable to run,” she said.

“I know there are people in the community that are having to stay in (Darwin) city the smoke is so bad.

“It’s quite an ageing population out here, and there’s obviously quite a lot of children.”

Ms Fisher said thick smoke and poor air quality was impacting her quality of life.

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NT Health is now asking Territorians to download the ‘AirRater’ app to check on the air quality in their area.

A spokeswoman said when the air quality dropped to ‘poor’ or below, vulnerable people should avoid outdoor physical activity; stay indoors with windows and doors closed where possible; and set their airconditioner to recirculate.

To download the free AirRater app, visit — https://airrater.org